We were in the Melle Paper!

20 August - here we come

We're now on our way to the airport. See you all tonight at 11:00. 

Potsdam - last day

Sup y'all, it's E^2 coming at you live from the Potsdam youth hostile. (E^2 = Eileen and Erika Nash.) Today we woke up at the ripe time of 8:30 and ate some quality breakfast. Then we took some on time public transportation to Sanssouci. 

This palace was modeled after Louis the 14th's Versailles. It was the summer home of Frederick the Great and the other Prussian Kings to come after him. The tour described it as "small" for a palace but it was still pretty grand. The Gardens were also pretty grand. We spent more time in the gardens then the palace itself. 

Then we walked our way down to the city and the little Dutch district. 

We were then released for 5 hours of free time where we could eat our last lunch in Germany and shop a bit. There were also churches and other old buildings (older than Amercia) to visit. Then we took some more public transportation to the youth hostile. There we had some 5 star(ish) food and then took a trip to Edeka to buy some German candy for the trip home. Then we packed our possessions and prepared to depart early tomorrow for our journey home. 

Potsdam 1

Hey it's Liam and Collin,

Today we said goodbye to our hosts in Melle and we have made our way to Potsdam. It's pretty hard to say goodbye to your German family but knowing that you'll see them soon makes it easier. We started the day at the Melle school for a send off and we spent a good few hours on trains which for me (Liam) meant nap time! Sadly it was too late to explore as we walked in a circle around to the train station and as we finished our meal it started to rain heavily. Although it was a little too late to explore our hearty meal provided by the hostel filled our hungry stomachs after a day of travel. Although goodbyes are hard it is good to know we will see our friends again. Tomorrow is sure to be a fun filled day in Potsdam.

See you soon, Collin & Liam

Melle Thursday

It's nearly midnight as I write a review of the day for you. It's our last night here and I was out late with friends and am just now getting to writing. I imagine the students are also enjoying their last night here in Melle but the goodbye is sweetened by the knowledge that in about one month we will see most of these friends again. 

Today began at school but then we took a field trip to an industrial museum. It is located where an old coal mining factory was but the museum features many examples of machines from the era of the industrial  revolution. We were able to try out several as well as take a walk through some of the old coal mines. 

Then we had a little down time in Osnabrück before returning to Melle. 

Some of the students were talking about staying here and not coming home so I offered to leave them as mine workers. That didn't seem so good. Tomorrow afternoon all 13 of us will be on a train to Potsdam, the first step on the way home. 

Melle Wednesday

Today was school. Students went all day and learned what it is like to be a student here. They shared a few remarks with me. They like that there were 15-30 minute breaks between classes. They found it difficult however to sit through 90 minute long classes. The fact that they stayed in one room with the same group all day while the teachers moved from group to group had differing opinions. Some liked being still and comfortable with the same group, but most found it dull to be in one place all day. 

In the evening we met for a tour of the bigger city nearby - Osnabrück. Our guide was the city night watchman who shared history with us...both the simple facts and also some darker history. 

Our guide in the hall where the peace of 1648 was signed.

Looking out over the old moat. 

John demonstrating fighting techniques. 

From the church tower over the city. 

Back on the ground. You can see how high they climbed!

Hard to believe that tomorrow is our last full day in Melle. The time went quickly. The cold is still making its rounds but otherwise everyone is doing good. 

Melle Tuesday

Today was Bremen all school day long - we met about 9:00 and got back at 6:00. We saw the town hall, the river Weser, the cathedral, the Glockenspiel in honor of Europe to America travel, and the Schnoor with its cute little streets shops. Oh, and also the famous Bremen city musicians (donkey, dog, cat, and rooster)

It was a good trip. How about I introduce the partners to you?

Lars und Aaron

Jan und Evan

Henry und Adrian

Liam und Ben

Malte und Collin

Constantine und Austin

Felix und John

Nils und Ryan und Lea

Gina und Erika

Ellen und Erica

Eileen und Nele

Victoria und Pia who will partner with Holly and Heidi when they come to NY. 

The teachers - Mr Höing und Ms Cuijpers from Melle and you know Frau Green and Miss J. 

Ok that's it for today. Everyone is still doing great and sem to be enjoying new friends. This is a really nice group - both Americans and Germans. Tomorrow they have school for a full day! 😃